Busy times call for thoughtful parenting; let us help

Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

by Deacon Dana Nearmyer

Imagine your 10 favorite family photos from this upcoming summer.

You might ask, “How can I imagine my 10 favorite family photos from this upcoming summer if it hasn’t happened yet?”

The answer, of course, is that memories — like family vacations, celebrations and outings — are often much better experiences with a little forethought and prayerful planning.

Our Pinterest page, Archdiocese of KCK Parents, is full of great ideas for amazing family memories. There are “boards” full of ideas for activities, short and long trips, and fun things to do around the house. It is a free source of ideas as you are planning out your summer.

A couple of weeks ago, my oldest daughter and son-in-law had their first child, our first grandbaby. That was a very special memory.

In that same week, my middle daughter celebrated her confirmation.

This was also a wonderful and holy memory.

Again, in that same week, my youngest daughter celebrated her birthday. My boys — not to be left out — had a college soccer game in Atchison for the oldest, and the youngest boy played three soccer games in St. Louis.

It was a week of many pictures and fabulous memories, but it is very easy to rush through weeks like this. It is easy to forget someone’s feelings and to forget that each conversation that we have can close or expand the distances between us.

We need to pray a lot in these busy, blessed times that we will really listen to each other and that we will speak sweetly and kindly to each other.

Both our Parent Resource Page — www.archkck.org/ecatparent ing — and our Pinterest page offer top-shelf Catholic resources on how to communicate in ways that bring people closer together, even in very tough situations.

We offer world-class camps (like Camp Tekakwitha) and service experiences (like Prayer in Action and Catholic HEART Workcamp) and many other wonderful activities featured on our Youth Formation and Activities Page at: www.archkck.org/ecatyouth.

We encourage you to take your family to Family Camp or one of our economical Family Days at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. We encourage you to plan memorable activities, short and long trips, and fun things to do around the house this summer. But don’t forget to cover these activities in prayer, listen to God about what your family needs.